When is the best time to visit Canada?

Visiting Canada in April

A good time to travel to Canada, with improving weather and longer days. Vancouver and the west coast in particular feel more pleasant. High up in the Rockies, the ski season is at its best with sunny days and blue skies. Elsewhere in the country, the chill of winter starts to disappear but weather can be unpredictable — be prepared for a variety of conditions.

Visiting Canada in May

Warmer weather, fewer crowds and lower costs make May a good time to visit Canada. There's still some chill in the air, but with the snow largely gone and spring flowers blooming many lodges start to reopen and national parks become more accessible, allowing visitors a chance to explore in relative solitude before the peak season starts. This time of year is also perfect for whale watching on the Atlantic coast, with humpbacks, minkes and belugas frequently sighted.

Visiting Canada in June

June is, for many, the ideal time to visit Canada. The full peak summer season hasn’t quite started, but the days are warm and long. Hiking trails are open, the lakes and rivers have thawed and wildlife is increasingly active. In the north of the country, parts of the Yukon, Nunavut and Northwest Territories that have previously been inaccessible because of snow open up to uncover mountain ranges, forest valleys, lakes and glaciers waiting to be explored.

Events & Festivals

• Festival de Jazz de Montréal (June and July): The largest event of its kind, the festival attracts thousands of global jazz artists and features hundreds of concerts, with many events free of charge.

Visiting Canada in July - August

The long summer days offer opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors through the wonderful hiking, boating, camping and fishing opportunities available across the country. Summer festivals, including Canada Day and the Calgary Stampede, take place, and outdoor dining is popular in towns and cities. Summer is also a great time to view orca on the west coast of Canada as they follow migrating salmon on their long journey.

Events & Festivals

• Calgary Stampede (July): An annual rodeo and festival celebrating cowboy culture. The ten-day event is highly recommended and very popular. Often referred to as the ‘Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’ and well worth combining with a more in-depth exploration of Calgary.
• Festival de Jazz de Montréal (June and July): The largest event of its kind, the festival attracts thousands of global jazz artists and features hundreds of concerts, with many events free of charge.
• The salmon run (late August to September): One of nature’s great events; salmon return from the ocean in huge numbers, travelling into the river systems of the west coast for spawning and attracting hundreds of bears and other predators.

Visiting Canada in September - October

The weather is comfortable in autumn, and the changing colours of the fall foliage is spectacular. Most outdoor activities can be enjoyed and temperatures, though cooler, are still pleasant. It is a great time to visit Niagara Falls in particular; with fewer crowds and the stunning autumn colours along the Niagara Gorge. September also sees the start of the salmon run and is consequently a good month to witness bears fishing for migrating salmon. October starts to get colder still, but offers the chance to spot polar bears as they make their way back from their summertime habitat. 

Events & Festivals

• The salmon run (late August to September): One of nature’s great events; salmon return from the ocean in huge numbers, travelling into the river systems of the west coast for spawning and attracting hundreds of bears and other predators.

Visiting Canada in November - December

The days are darker, snow may have started falling and the temperatures drop with the onset of winter. Despite this, November and December are still lively months, with holiday season festivals and the re-opening of ice skating rinks making for great family entertainment.

Events & Festivals

• Toronto Santa Claus Parade (mid-November): A festive parade of decorative floats and costumes. It is now one of the largest parades in North America, attracting over half a million spectators each year.